Red Caboose 1024

Clinchfield Caboose #1024 was in service with the Hampton Railroad Car Company from 1948-1964 The caboose made almost 5000 trips between Spartanburg, SC and Elkhorn, KY before being replaced by one of the new, lighter alumninum rail cars. In 1971, a young entrepreneur named Oscar G. Mason, III bought the caboose to use as a men's and women's clothing store and had it delivered to its current location on property owned by Charles VonCanon. The back addition with restrooms and a full basement was built in 1990.

When Mr. Mason moved on, the VonCanons became the owners of the caboose which has since been home to a winery, a craft shop, a legal office, the High Country Hearth Store, a bird supply/gift shop, and most recently an outdoor lifestyle consignment store. Note the old apple tree to the right of the front porch which might have even come from Mr. Rowe's store! Continue along the brick sidewalk and carefully cross the small instersection just past the Fire Station for the next tour alert, the Historic Banner Elk School.